Ice Hockey Safety

Ice hockey is a popular winter sport in the United States. However, there are more than 20,000 ice hockey-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments each year. As with any sport, it’s important to wear safety equipment and follow all rules to prevent injuries.

Ice Hockey Injury Facts

The most common types of injuries are cuts, scrapes, bruises, broken bones, sprains and strains.

Most concussions are the result of either a fall or from contact with the boards or another player.

Injuries to the face, wrist/hand/finger, shoulder/upper arm and lower leg/ankle/foot are the most common.

Almost 1 in 4 ice hockey injuries are to the face or mouth.

Most face and mouth injuries are from contact with the stick or the puck.

Ice Hockey Safety Tips

Always wear the appropriate safety gear- both in games and in practice.

It is recommended that players:

Use full face shields, mouth guards and neck guards during games and practice.

Wear helmets with face masks and shields whenever they are on the ice.

Make sure all equipment fits properly.

Safety equipment should be in good repair.

Before playing, learn the proper uses and limitations of the protective gear.

Know and follow all game-play rules.

Officials and coaches should always enforce the rules.

If body checking is permitted, learn and practice the proper way to give and receive checks.